Wild in the Playoffs if...

One more win, and the Minnesota Wild will finally be back in the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

The Wild tightened their grip on seventh place in the Western Conference by beating Los Angeles 2-1 on Tuesday. They have two games remaining in the regular season.

The Wild have arguably the most talented team in the franchise's 12-year history, but the lockout-shortened season has been a grind. They lost eight of their first 11 games this month before coming through with the critical victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings.

The Wild can also clinch a playoff spot before they even play again, if Columbus loses at Dallas on Thursday.

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